- Humayun Kabir wished death for Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari.
- Cited police disturbance as reason for initial remarks.
- Later retracted, wished Adhikari long life and PM post.
A fresh row erupted after Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir said he wished for the death of Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Kabir reportedly said that he would wish for Adhikari’s death while performing his Friday prayers. He then alleged that the CM’s officials were “disturbing” him.
“Will pray that very soon Allah takes Suvendu Adhikary. His police are disturbing us," Kabir was quoted as saying. Humayun launched a scathing attack on CM Adhikari, saying, "If we disrespect him, we will be ousted. I want him to become a former chief minister. During my Friday prayers, I will pray that he leaves this world as soon as the uparwallah gives him his ticket.”
He cited the deaths of political figures, including Ajit Pawar and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as examples while making the remarks. “Look at how a former Congress Chief Minister from Chhattisgarh died, how Maharashtra’s Ajit Pawar died, or how Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi lost their lives. Is this level of arrogance necessary? Such arrogance always falls, and that is how we will eventually leave this world."
However, the leader soon changed his stance and took a reverse. He claimed that he would instead pray for BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s long life and expressed his desire to see him become prime minister. “I will pray for the long life of Suvendu Adhikari. I want Suvendu to become the Prime Minister," Kabir said, according to the statement.
Was disturbed by the police
Kabir also sought to clarify his earlier remarks, saying his comments were directed at the police and their alleged conduct. He claimed that he was referring to concerns over the police becoming “autocratic" and alleged that they were causing problems for him and his supporters.
Earlier, Kabir had several controversies over his statements. Ahead of the Rejinagar bypoll, he also announced that he would stay away from campaigning, alleging police action and administrative pressure against his supporters.
The latest remarks are likely to intensify the political confrontation between Kabir and the BJP-led state government, with the Rejinagar bypoll adding to the backdrop of the controversy.